Campbell Won’t Challenge Loss to Harp in Schuyler County District 2

The Democratic challenger for the Schuyler County District 2 Legislature seat says he will not challenge his 1-vote loss to the incumbent.

In a letter to the Odessa File, Joseph Campbell says he has decided against a legal Hail Mary to overturn his 313-312 loss to Republican Van Harp, saying a suit wouldn’t be good for the county.

Campbell also adds the reminder that every vote really counts.

Campbell’s letter to supporters on his Facebook page:

Dear friends and supporters,
There were many factors at play in the election that resulted in a one vote margin with Van Harp leading the race. While there was one ballot that could conceivably have been argued in court, it would have been a long, drawn out process and it was an extreme long shot.
Even had I won in court, the result would have been a tie in which case there would have been a special election called for.
In the interest of not putting the voters in Legislative District 2 through more anguish over the election, I have decided not to pursue litigation.
I have every faith that Van will represent the interests of his constituents admirably.
I want to thank everyone who supported me in this tight contest; those who voted for me, put out lawn signs and contributed to my campaign.
If there are any take aways from this year’s election, the one that stands out is this; when you hear someone say, “Every vote counts”, don’t roll your eyes. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Another is to make sure you are properly registered to vote and that you know where your polling place is. The Board of Elections is made up of people just like you and me, and they can and do make mistakes.
Every year there are uncontested races for public office. Remember, there is always another election and we need more voters and residents to get involved in the democratic process that determines who represents you in office.
I met a lot of great people while I was out campaigning and hey, we had a good run.
Joseph